Kids Love Coding Video Games During Summer
Parents may not think of learning to code when they think of classic summertime activities for kids. It used to be that when school was out, the kids would run off to the local creek for a swim, go fishing, hunt worms, or other free outdoor activities. If your kids want to do this, let them!
But modern video games have evolved leaps and bounds past what they were even ten years ago. The idea of pumping quarters into an arcade game has nothing to do with modern gaming, and learning to code the video games teaches life skills kids have fun learning.
Before signing up your kids, look for a program that meets the following specifications.
Games at the Heart
Kids love playing, and that’s what summertime is for. If you ask a child if they want to spend their summer learning math, they might not be ultra eager! However, industry leaders like Real Programming 4 Kids puts video games at the heart of all their sessions.
Classes teach students of all experience and skill levels how to create a video game, one they can show off and play with friends and family. Acquiring the skills to create the video game feels more like a game itself rather than a class.
Ultimately, your child will have so much fun they won’t even notice they’re learning.
Small Sessions
Nobody wants to learn in a noisy, disruptive environment. The bigger classes get, the more distractions there are likely to be.
Nip this in the bud by finding an online program that limits classes to four students per session. Your child won’t have to worry that their teacher doesn’t know their name, nor will they have to speak over their peers to avoid slipping through the cracks.
Vital Coding Languages
Some online coding classes for kids focus on general computer skills or teach coding languages that professionals rarely use in the field. The best coding programs make it a point to teach the languages employers expect their teams to know.
Avoid the programs teaching drag-and-drop “languages,” like Scratch. It’s better to find a program that teaches real coding languages, like Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, and C++. Whether your child is a total beginner or an expert at coding, they’ll be stimulated without being overwhelmed.
Young Teachers Are Mentors
Finally, leading programs tend to hire young instructors from computer engineering or computer science backgrounds. This approach has two advantages.
Young teachers also grew up playing the same type of home video games they teach kids how to make. Their first-hand experience and love for the craft transfer to students. Plus, they also have recent experience navigating the job market as a coder.
Teenagers with a serious interest can pick their brains about where coding can take them, whether they want to develop video games professionally or work in an almost unlimited number of other fields where coding skills are an asset.
This summer, give your child a fun experience they’ll take with them by enrolling them in online coding classes that focus on creating video games.
